True Cognac lovers take note - specialist wine tour operator Grape Escapes are proud to announce the launch of their brand new Premium Cognac Tour and are offering twelve fortunate Cognac lovers this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part. The lucky participants will witness the unique Bonne Chauffe distillation process at two family-run Cognac Houses and enjoy Cognac tastings at a large, world-famous Cognac house. The tour will take place from 15-17 November 2013 and places are strictly limited. Prices start from just £430 per person.

There is no better way to appreciate a favourite Cognac than in the distillery where it was made with a tasting guided by an expert in its production. The Grape Escapes Premium Cognac Tour will be lead by two English Cognac Experts looking to share their passion and uncover the fascinating process of Cognac making. Accommodation is at the 16th Century Le Logis du Paradis in Criteuil la Magdeleine amongst the vineyards where visitors will be served a welcome aperitif in the original distillery at the Logis upon arrival with the tour managers before a four course dinner accompanied by selected wines. 

The second day will involve a transported tour starting with an introduction to the process of Cognac making in the distillery at the Logis. Visitors will then take a trip to a large, world-famous Cognac House such as Hine or Rémy Martin for a tour of the estate and a tasting of their renowned Cognacs, before enjoying drinks and lunch at an authentic French bistrot. For a more personal experience, visitors will next participate in tours of two small, family-run estates to meet the makers of the Cognacs who will personally guide tours and demonstrate the very rarely seen Bonne Chauffe process used in the second Cognac distillation. Afterwards, there will be a tasting session of several Cognacs in contrasting styles and in the evening a delightful four-course dinner will finish off the day in addition to a wide selection of Pineaux and Cognacs.

The final day will see breakfast followed by a Cognac master class with the Tour Managers teaching visitors how to appreciate the ins and outs of different Cognacs and a light lunch before heading back to Bordeaux for the return flight.

Cognac connoisseur and tour leader, James Redhead, says, "We're ever so excited about the launch of Grape Escapes' Cognac tour. Cognac is undergoing a real renaissance at the moment and I am very pleased to get the opportunity to share my passion with Cognac amateurs and holiday makers who have recently discovered this stunning drink." 

With places strictly limited to twelve participants, the Premium Cognac Tour is a must-do for any true Cognac lover. For more information and to book, visit www.grapeescapes.net. 

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Nick Smith / Anna Wolstenholme
Email: nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk / anna@representationplus.co.uk  
Tel: 020 8877 4504/4510
Mob: 078 2687 1618
Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk. 

Notes to Editors:
Grape Escapes is a specialist wine tour operator, offering wine tours to France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Grape Escapes offer a broad range of wine tasting tours and trips to vineyards in Ribera del Duero and Rioja in Spain, Tuscany in Italy, Porto in Portugal and the main French wine regions: Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, The Rhône and The Loire. Grape Escapes run numerous wine tasting trips for individuals, groups (social groups, hen weekends, wine clubs, car clubs, and birthday trips among others) as well as wine tasting trips for corporate clients. www.grapeescapes.net 

Travel Package:
• Please contact Grape Escapes to book places on 08456 430 860 or email at info@grapeescapes.net. 
• Prices for the two-night Premium Cognac Tour start from £430 per person. The price includes two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, visits to three Cognac Houses, one master class and one blending workshop.
• The price also includes tastings of four wines and thirteen Cognacs/Pineaux.
• The tour will take place from 15-17 November 2013 and will be for twelve consumer participants.  
• A £25 per person early bird discount applies to booking confirmed and paid for over 60 days before travel. The price of the package includes return transfers from Bordeaux airport, however travel to and from Bordeaux is not included in the price of the tour. . 
• Grape Escapes recommend flying direct with British Airways departing from London Gatwick Friday 15 November at 15:30 and departing from Bordeaux Airport Sunday 17 November at 18:35.
• Alternatively there are flights with easyJet departing from London Luton Friday 15 November at 07:20 and departing Bordeaux Airport 13:30 Sunday 17 November.